Refuse compaction handling equipment



Nov. 18, 1969 5. CHARLES 3,478,909

REFUSE COMPACTION HANDLING EQUIPMENT Filed Dec. 6, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 18, 1969 R. E. CHARLES 3,478,909

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United States Patent US. Cl. 214501 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Refuse compaction handling equipment is used to compact refuse where it is first received, as it is prepared to be hauled away, as it is loaded to be hauled away, and/ or as it is prepared for final disposal. This equipment utilizes variable fluid pressure expanding and contraction compaction assemblies which primarily are operated with compressed air, and which are removably or permanently related to a refuse handling volume defining container and/or containers which may be associated with transportation equipment. These expanding and contraction assemblies include a reference structure adapted to be maintained in a substantially fixed location, a movable fluid tight structure to be variably positioned at least in part, to and from the reference structure, and fluid pressure generating and regulating apparatus interrelated to both the reference structure and the movable fluid tight stnlcture to expand and to contract the volume defined by them.

This invention relates to handling and disposal of refuse, as it is prepared to be hauled away, as it is loaded to be hauled away and/or as it is prepared for final disposal. More particularly this invention is concerned with handling and disposal of refuse by utilizing at some time during its disposal handling operations, variable fluid pressure expanding and contraction compaction assemblies, primarily using pneumatic equipment.

The purpose of this invention is to provide variable fluid pressure expanding and contraction assemblies, removably or permanently related to volume defining containing and possibly transporting equipment, to receive, compress, hold and/or transport waste materials, thereby reducing overall disposal costs, as subsequent handling operations become more effective by the increase in density of the waste, during collecting, hauling and disposing of such refuse which has undergone compaction in one or more stages.

This invention briefly described, in reference to one accessory" embodiment which may be used in many refuse containers comprises: a reference structure adapted to be held in a substantially fixed location; a movable fluid tight structure to be variably positioned, at least in part, to and from the reference structure; and fluid pressure generating and regulating apparatus interrelated to both the reference structure and the movable fluid tight structure to expand and to contract the volume defined, at least in part, by them.

This brief description of an accessory embodiment indicates the nucleus of this invention which is expandable in size and/or in the volume it occupies to meet waste handling demands. The accessory embodiment principally adapts the invention to existing refuse containers and to new small volume and/or portable installations. Both new container designs and/0r larger volume containers require permanent installations of equipment of equivalent function to this accessory embodiment. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention are incorporated into refuse transporting vehicles.

Throughout all embodiments, both those illustrated and/or described and those logically derived therefrom, the purpose and objectives are all directed to compacting materials as soon after they become waste as it is possible "ice to do so, in keeping within the best guidelines of: econom ical engineering and manufacturing practices; handling and transporting convenience; building management; governmental regulations and facilities; and overall cost accounting. All embodiments are capable of compacting many types of waste but essentially dry waste will be most effectively handled.

In this regard, for example, essentially dry waste composed of office papers and packaging materials collected and handled in one cubic yard containers was increased from to 305 pounds per container. The original 130 pounds was obtained by emptying 7 average sized trash cans into the one cubic yard container. Then after compaction cycles and loadings, 14 more additional like trash cans were added for a total load derived from 21 trash cans making the compacted refuse weight, 305 pounds. Subsequently, more trash was dumped into the space vacated by the deflated compaction embodiment before the one cubic yard container was handled by a disposal crew of a hauling vehicle.

The advantages realized and resulting economies indicated by this one example of refuse compaction will be further understood in reading following descriptions which relate to illustrated embodiments of the invention in several selected useful environments which are both stationary and mobile. In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 illustrates, a portable embodiment which is about to be lowered into place in the bin of a refuse cart loosely filled with waste;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of portions of the portable embodiment of FIGURE 1 indicating, from top to bottom: a reference or stationary structure to be held on or near a bin top; protective shielding to surround a fluid tight expandable-contractable structure; expandable-contractable fluid tight structure variably positioned, in part, to and from the reference structure and having a connection for attachment to fluid pressure regulating and supply apparatus; a protective compressing plate structure; and retracting straps to be extended with the protective compressing plate structure and to be in readiness to retract all structures, as necessary, back within the volume defined by the protective shielding upon release of compacting fluid pressure;

FIGURE 3 shows another portable embodiment reinforced differently and secured to a sloping top of another bin, completion of the compaction cycle being illustrated;

FIGURE 4, shows another embodiment which is wall mounted above a refuse cart filled with waste, starting of the compression cycle is illustrated;

FIGURE 5 is a partial perspective view, of another embodiment, with some portions removed to indicate interior positions of components;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIGURE 5 taken at line 6-6 of FIGURE 5, indicating however, partial return during the compression cycle;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded view wherein an accessory embodiment is utilized;

FIGURE 8 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment showing one side only indicating utilization of a movable sealed plate within a sealed top container;

FIGURE 9, illustrates a vehicle in a partial perspective view as observed from above the left rear comer indicating an embodiment of the compaction assembly which compacts waste in this vehicle;

FIGURE 10, is a partal longiutdinal cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 9, indicating total bin access when the compaction unit is moved out of the way over the drivers cab of this vehicle;

FIGURE 11, is a transverse cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, indicating compaction of refuse within vehicle bins;

FIGURE 12, is partial longitudinal cross sectional view 3 of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 9, and 11 indicating how bins are emptied when vehicles refuse carrying container is tilted and bind dividers pivot about their top edge mounting pins;

FIGURE 13 is a perspective and exploded view of another accessory unit which is, however, designed for entry into a refuse container before loading to be subsequently expanded laterally between container sides also referred to as sidewise expansion;

FIGURE 14, is a side view of the accessory unit illustrated in FIGURE 13 installed in a refuse container and expanded;

FIGURE 15 is a schematic electro-mechanical layout of the preferred automatic cycling equipment of the sidewise expanding accessory compaction unit; and

FIGURE 16, is the electrical circuit diagram of the preferred automatic compression cycling equipment of the sidewise expanding accessory compaction unit.

As illustrated throughout these figures, the invention in various embodiments is directed to increasing the capacity of bins into which, preferably, substantially dry refuse is originally loosely thrown or dumped. When the invention is used, loading of loosely collected refuse occurs at multiple times with respect to each bin before it is considered filled to capacity and ready for hauling and/or transfer to other collection and/or disposal facilities. Between a loading or a group of loadings, compaction is undertaken as practiced by this invention. Throughout all embodiments, compaction occurs as compressed fluid is controllably discharged into the top of the bin and subsequently released after compaction. How this is accomplished with respect to selected different structural and compressed fluid environments is described in reference to the illustrated embodiments.

CONTAINER WITH WHEELS In FIGURE 1 a container for refuse is shown mounted on wheels 22 for convenience. Such containers now in use are generally of metal construction and have covers 24 which are often hinged (not shown) on one long edge 26 at the back and clamped on an opposite long edge 28 at the front with clamping fasteners 30 such as a hook 32 threaded to receive a wing nut 34. Or, in regard to other containers now in use, both long front and back edges are clamped as shown. In either selected design, or others, top edges of bin or container 20 are often reinforced with added material such as a flange 36. Fasteners 30 are secured between cover 24 and flange 36. These described constructions subject to some variations of bin contours and wheel arrangements are representative of refuse or disposal containers 20 now used extensively in collecting waste in metropolitan centers. More particularly they are used in collecting waste at oflice buildings, apartment houses, hotels, hospitals, universities and other large dwellings.

COMPACTION COMPONENTS The balance of the structural components illustrated in FIGURE 1 are used in practicing this first embodiment of the invention. The original cover 24 is either replaced or preferably reinforced by using, for example, channel members 38 secured to cover 24 by welding. Fastener hooks 32 are then relocated from any original top cover 24 to stronger channel members 38 and passed through holes 40 made in extending portions 42 of reinforcing members 38. With knowledge of this invention designers will originally design cover 24 with such reinforcement or they will follow other design practices as suggested by other illustrated embodiments.

Such reinforced cover 24 in this embodiment of FIG- URE 1 serves as a reference structure 24 to which a movable or expandable fluid tight structural sub assembly 44 is secured. Such an arrangement completes a compression accessory-like unit 46 utilized in conjunction with a refuse container 20 to provide an overall compaction refuse container assembly 48.

What comprises the expandable fluid tight structural subassembly 44 is illustrated in the exploded view of FIG- URE 2. Cover 24, serving also as a reference structure in this embodiment, is preferably fitted, by welding, with a volume defining four sided frame 50. Within this resulting space 52, a collapsed fluid tight expandable member 54 is located and secured as may be necessary. It has a fitting 56 positioned through a hole 58 in cover or reference structure 24 providing its sole entry and/or exit for fluid. To protect expandable member 54, which is generally a rubber like bladder, a compression plate or member 60 is positioned immediately below it. In such position, compression plate 60 acts as a piston distributing expansive and resistive force during compaction of refuse within container 20. Following the expansion of bladder 54 and the resulting compaction fiuid is released back through pipe line 62. At this time, return of compression plate 60 and simultaneous contraction of expandable member 54 to volume defining frame 50 occurs. This return is assured because resilient members 64 retract. Preferably these resilient members 64 are secured at their respective ends by passing them through holes 66 in frame 50 and tying knots to prevent their withdrawal. They are initially positioned and tensioned when member 54 is withdrawn into space 52 defined by frame 50.

LIGHTER REINFORCED SLOPING TOP How the completed assembly serves as an overall compaction container assembly 48, is illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. However, in reviewing the operation in these figures some structural differences will be noted. In FIG- URE 3, container or bin 70 has a sloping top for drainage purposes. Also the reference top is differently reinforced with multiple longitudinal small aluminum I beams 72. In other respects the overall structure is similar. Moreover, expansion of the fluid tight assembly 44 is shown as it occurs throughout most of the embodiments. Compression plate 60 is driven downwardly against refuse 74 to tightly compact it. In these FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, a design objective has been to provide a compression accessory-like unit 46 to be used directly on existing bins or components of present designs of various sizes and types of bins, either by fabricating such unit 46 initially, or as a replacement unit, or in component parts so existing covers 24 could be modified.

WALL UNIT In utilizing such a compression unit 46, if it were not constructed of lightweight and high strength materials its handling weight might be considered by some to be excessive. For this and other reasons, such as employing one compression or compaction unit 46 with several containers 24 or 70, the embodiment of FIGURE 4 is illustrated. A compression or compaction unit 46 is secured to a building or wall 78 by a hinge 80. It is lowered over one open filled container 20 which may be one of a group of containers 20 perhaps joined together in train-like fashion (not shown). Before fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, is supplied through pipe 62 from a supply (not shown) through regulation of valve 82 into expandable fluid tight assembly 44, compaction or compression unit 46 is secured tightly against container 20 by using wing nuts and threaded anchored tension rods 86, which are in turn secured by anchor bolts 88 to flooring or pavement 90. In this embodiment as in all others a safety release valve 92 is employed and a selected release pressure is established in accordance with safety factors of the particular structural design.

CHAIN HOLD DOWN In FIGURES 5 and 6 another embodiment is illustrated. It is distinguishable with respect to previously described and illustrated embodiments in three essential features. To reduce time consumed in securing compression unit 94 to a container 20 reinforcing members 96 are hinged 98 at the rear to container 20 and have up-turned chain link receiving slots at the front. Chains 102 are preferably permanently secured to longitudinal front channel reinforcement 104, and of a length suflicient to permit their convenient placement into slots 100. Here again if unit 94 were to be considered as an accessory-like unit to be used with several containers or bins 20, then rear ends of reinforcing members 96 would likewise be held down by chain arrangements in lieu of hinges 98 (not shown).

SPRING, CABLE, RETRACTION In FIGURES 5 and 6, another distinguishable feature is utilization of a more tailored and proportioned accordion-like expandable fluid tight member 106. By using such a tailored expansible member 106, more positive and durable retraction sub assemblies 108 are employed to constitute the remaining distinguishable feature of this embodiment. Respective cables 110 are secured at one of their ends at respective corners of compression plate 60. Within respective tubular housings 112, their other ends are secured to springs 114. The springs 114 in turn are secured respectively to each closed end of each housing 112. The change of direction in each cable 110 occurs as the cable travels over a pulley 116 fastened to each open end of each housing 112. Preferably four retraction sub assemblies 108 are used, one for each corner. They are calibrated to acquire substantially uniform retractive forces which are ever present to effectively perform when fluid is released following compaction.

ACCESSORY UNIT FIGURE 7 illustrates, how advantages of embodiment of FIGURES 5 and 6 are realized where a truly accessory-like compression or compaction unit 120 is relied upon in gaining additional advantages of versatility. At the bottom of this exploded view the bin or container 20 is shown having top edge reinforcements 104. They are located at the front and back and both are equipped with chains 102. A typical, now in use, centrally hinged 118 bin cover 122 with handles 124 is shown above in this exploded view. During utilization of this embodiment separate top reinforcements 126 with chain slots 100 are laid upon cover 122 in alignment with chains 102. Hole 128 is provided in cover 122 as access for pneumatic fittings.

Into this surrounding strength structure of container 20 with its reinforcements 104 and cover 122 with its reinforcements 126 which are all to be held together by placement of chains 102 in slots 100, accessory-like compression or compaction unit 120 is placed upon loosely.

filled in refuse. Its pipeline 62 passes through hole 128 in cover 122 to be attached to valves and air supply lines as indicated before in FIGURE 4. Accessory-like unit 120 is then ready to serve its function as its components serve their respective functions noted previously in respect to embodiment of FIGURES 5 and 6. A top reference plate 130 serves in lieu of cover 24 or 122 as mounting place for tubular housings 112 of cable retraction assemblies 108. These assemblies 108, as before, utilize four individual sets of cables 110, springs 114, pulleys 116 and tubes 112 which are calibrated to uniformly retract compression plate 60 and consequently fluid expandable member 106 when fluid pressure is reduced.

When so retracted, accessory-like compression or compaction unit 120 is easily handled with hand grips 132 and readily moved from one container 20 to another container 20 or one of like purpose. When accessory-like compression or compaction units 120 are to be utilized in this manner, materials used in making top reference plate 130, bottom compression plate 60 and side frame 50 are selected from light weight materials to reduce overall weight of unit 120 making it truly a conveniently hand lifted and positioned fluid pressure compaction unit.

SEALED CONTAINER UNIT In FIGURE 8, an overall compaction container assembly unit 48 is illustrated wherein container 20 is made fluid tight. It then receives a cover 136 equipped with a continuous seal 138. This assembly of container 20 and cover 136 is fluid tight except for an entry and exhaust fluid hole 140 equipped with threaded sleeve 142 and pipeline 62. Utilizing this sealable chamber 144, after loosely packed refuse is dumped in container 20, a compression plate or seal plate 60 is dropped in to become an effective piston equipped with its internal seal or plate seal 148. When fluid pressure is applied this resulting sealed compression plate is driven down in chamber 144 to compress refuse 74 in container 20. Once compaction has occured and fluid pressure is reduced, and after wing nuts 34, books 32 and cover 136 are removed, sealed compression or compacting plate 150 is readily lifted out using handles 152.

VEHICLE UNIT The previously described embodiments described in conjunction with bins or containers 20 are also easily incorporated into other structures. In this regard not only is a different structure shown in FIGURES 9 through 12, but also partially shown is a vehicle 156 such as a truck, equipped with additional structures to mount one or more compaction units to it. The modification made to this illustrated truck is undertaken without eliminating normal utilization of its carrying capacity for other purposes when hauling of refuse is not undertaken. Along each top side 158 are channel guide or rail members 160. They are secured thereto and extended over drivers cab 162 and braced both by cross member 16 and corner members 166. The entire capacity volume of cargo space 168 is divided into divisional volumes 170, 172, 174, as defined by removable and one way pivotally mounted partitions 176 and like mounted end closure 178. Pin-bearing mounts 180 are used at their top corners 182 so partitions 178 and end closure 178 will swing clear during unloading as illustrated in FIGURE 12. Such division of cargo space 168 is preferably done equally, including an equal storage space 184 or rail guide length 184 located over drivers cab 162. This is done to provide a non-use active storage location for a compaction sub assembly unit 188. With compaction unit 188 over drivers cab 162 and/or with partitions 176 removed or pivoted, full access to cargo space 168 is possible for non refuse handling functions of vehicle 156.

During refuse loading operations, refuse is dumped into space 174 after end closure 17 8 is shut by closure of latches 190. Pivoting partition 176, being a one way pivoting divider, remains vertical and loading of refuse 74 proceeds as indicated in FIGURES 9 and 10. Periodically, during loading of respective volumes 170, 172, 174, compaction unit 188 is moved over loosely filled in refuse 74. Fluid under pressure such as compressed air is obtained from a source (not shown) either carried by truck 156 or located near a refuse loading station. Compressed air is supplied to compaction unit 188 through pipe line 6-2.

This unit 188, as illustrated particularly in FIGURES 9 and 11, has cross headers 194 equipped with wheels 196 located at header ends in a position to roll along channel rails or guides 160. Confinement of wheels 196. and consequently cross headers 194, firmly in this vertical direction keeps compaction unit 188 in place during compression of refuse 74. Reference structure 198, commenced by headers 194, is completed by addition of spaced longitudinals 200 and top plate 202 which are all secured together. In FIGURE 11, additional structure of compaction unit 188 is shown, such as frame 204 attached to top plate 202 to provide a housing volume for deflated expandable member 206. When inflated, member 206 appears as illustrated in FIGURE 11 carrying with it extendable and retractable members 208, such as shock cord or like members. Preferably, a compression plate 210 is utilized to distribute forces and protect inflatable member 206. Member 206 may be made like or similar to large cushion bags now in use to protectively locate and position valuable cargo in trucks, trains and ships.

7 OPERATION In this last described vehicle embodiment as well as in all other indicated embodiments, inclusive of stationary units (not shown), the purpose of this invention is to conveniently and effectively compress refuse within defined spaces at preferably different intervals of loading to obtain reasonable maximum density of a refuse load before subsequent disposal handling is undertaken. Where subsequent handling charges are based on container volumes, compaction equipment and its operation are both very economically feasible in direct or almost direct proportion to volume reductions made in compressing refuse. As noted previously, such volume reductions of refuse are at least three times and often more depending on pressures and number of compaction cycles.

Wherever such economy is sought not only in terms of direct cost savings but also in terms of added convenience brought about by handling refuse in fewer containers and by conducting few operations, underlying operational procedural steps remain substantially alike. Refuse is periodically dumped into closeable containers. Thereafter, after respective dumping periods, a compaction unit is positioned either in a subsequently closed container or a compaction unit itself substantially completes closure of a container. Then from a reference structure, a compression plate is driven by an expanding pressurized fluid. Such fluid such as air is confined and controlled by an expanding fluid tight member, or it is confined and controlled by sealing means on both a resulting container and compression plate. Fluid pressure controls and fluid Supplies are handled by operating conventional valves, regulators and pressurized fluid sources. Following compaction, pressures are reduced generally by venting fluid such as air to atmosphere. Simultaneously retraction devices come into play to collapse expandable members when they are utilized. Once venting is substantially complete compression plates are removed with whatever adjoining structure they have. Then additional loading of refuse continues to fill containers or respective bin volumes, stopping occasionally for compaction, until a reasonable maximum compacted filling of a particular refuse volume is completed. Generally fluid pressures will not be excessive, yet at all times care must be exercised. All differentials of fluid pressures to be used are suflicient to possibly cause an accident, if components of any embodiment are improperly handling and operated. However, understanding of the construction of equipment and its operation in any embodiment is readily explained and understood. Those persons who operate specific equipment described and illustrated herein and other equipment made in accordance with what has been indicated in such illustrations and descriptions, and/ or those persons who so direct operation of such equipment, all realize how effectively the practice of this invention improves handling of refuse.

AUTOMATIC OPERATION OF A SIDEWISE OR LATERAL EXPANDING COMPACTION UNIT The embodiments discussed previously could have been equipped with automatic controls in most instances. Such automatic controls, in a preferred embodiment therof, are illustrated in conjunction with a lateral or sidewise expanding embodiment of refuse compaction equipment. In this sidewise expanding compaction unit, compaction is undertaken between sides of a container, as illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14. Preferred automatic electro-mechanical controls which are first shown in these FIGURES 13 and 14 are also schematically illustrated in FIGURES 15 and 16, to illustrate how automatic cycling of compaction equipment occurs.

In FIGURE 13, a sidewise expanding accessory unit 220 is illustrated in an exploded view of spaced apart disassembled parts aligned for joining together in the way shown in FIGURE 14, where the accessory is positioned in a rectangular volume refuse bin or container 222. At the side of the container, a reference end 224 of expanding accessory unit 220 is arranged in rectangular box form without a cover, but instead with a surrounding flange 226 which first receives one end 228 of an accordion like expandable bellows 230' and then is held in place with screws 232 threaded through respective holes 234 and 236, and through confined end portion 228 of bellows 230. Opposite end 240 of bellows 230, is similarly fitted to and held by a movable compression plate 242, which has a small surrounding flange 244- with spaced threaded holes 246 and top mounted side rollers 250 on extension brackets 252. End 240 of bellows 230 is tightly held in place on flange 244 by surrounding flange 256 which is in turn held in place with screws 232 threaded through respective holes 246, 258.

This assembly 220 of accessory unit 220 provides structure which may be expanded and contracted Within a refuse chamber to compact refuse laterally. Refuse loading and compaction cycles occur during one filling of a container to economically compact refuse. Personnel may expand and contract accessory unit 220 observing its operation and manually controlling its valves. However, automatic cycling operations are possible as indicated in FIGURES 15 and 16 where equipment is shown which with some modifications is used on other embodiments.

On the top of surrounding flange 226 of reference end 224 of accessory unit 220, a recess is preformed partially by a vertical plate or shield 260 and later it is fully determined by the container or refuse bin end 262 upon installation of accessory unit 220 in refuse bin 222. In this protective recess, a majority of the automatic compact cycling equipment is installed, as illustrated in FIGURES 13 and 14. Fluid under pressure, preferably air under pressure, is made available by connecting accessory intake valve 266 to an air supply pipe line 62. The utilization of compressed air from supply line 62, with first references being made to air flow equipment, is handled by valve 266 which passes compressed air into accessory units 220 fluid line 268 which in turn terminates in an ejector unit 270. This ejector unit 270 has internal passageways not shown which continue both in the direction of fluid line 268 and at right angles thereto in the direction of bellows or bladder 230. In the right angle direction fluid line 276 connects ejector unit 270 to bellows or bladder 230. 'In the straight through direction, fluidline 278 connects ejector unit 270 to changeover valve 280.

When valve 266 is opened, while valve 280 remains closed, fluid flow in ejector 270 is turned at right angles for entry into line 276 and thereafter into bellows or bladder 230. As fluid under pressure fills bellows 230, movable compression plate 242 forces refuse into a compacted mass between itself 242 and the other refuse bin end 284. When snfiicient compaction occurs, which is preferably sensed by pre-set pressure switch 286 receiving the active fluid under pressure through pressure tapping line 288, then changeover valve 280 is opened.

Upon opening of valve 280, fluid under pressure passes directly through ejector 270 and its ejecting functions begins to remove fluid from bladder or bellows 230 'back through line 276. Such removal continues until movable compression plate 242 is returned to its starting position located adjacent to reference end 224 of sidewise expanding accessory unit 220. Upon such return both valves 226 and 280 are closed and the accessory unit 220 awaits a demand for its next compaction cycle while a new load or an additional load of refuse is placed in refuse bin or container 222.

With respect to automatic controls, return of compression plate 242 is preferably sensed upon its contact of a microswitch 290. A preferred electrical system which receives the finished cycle electrical signal initiated by microswitch 290 is indicated in FIGURE 16. Further clarification of this electrical system is undertaken by references to FIGURE 15 where some external electrical connectors are shown. The finished cycle signal is transmitted to a first relay 294 and a second relay 296 which are optionally located in the same housing 298. Operation of these relays closes valves 266 and 278 at the conclusion of the return motion of compression or compaction plate 242.

Starting of a compression or compaction cycle is initiated by personnel pressing and closing a push button switch 300. Electrical current from a 115 volt alternating current source or 12 volt direct current source, 302, flows through switch 300 into holding coil 304 of the first relay 294. Energized coil 304 of first relay 294, then results in closing its associated relay contacts 308 and 310. Closure of contacts 308 will assure continued energization of holding coil 304 when push button switch 300 is released shortly after its initial movement by operating personnel.

Fluid flow is initiated upon this closure of contacts 310 "because electrical energy is then supplied to holdingcoil 314 of solenoid valve 266 which opens admitting fluid under pressure from intake or supply line 62. Because changeover valve 280 remains closed, the incoming fluid under pressure turns at right angles in ejector 270 and flows into bladder or bellows 230. As it expands, sidewise movement of compression plate 242 occurs and refuse is compacted between it, 242, and container end 284 while also confined by longitudinal sides 312 of refuse bin 222. The escape of refuse in an upward direction is limited making the sidewise compaction very effective.

To avoid excessive compaction forces, each compaction stroke terminates when the pressure inside accessory unit 220 reaches a pre-set value of or approximately three pounds per square inch above atmospheric pressure. A pre-set pressure switch 286 is utilized to receive a pressure indication through fluid line 288. Any malfunction of pressure switch 286 is overridden by a pop-01f valve, not shown, which opens an exhaust port immediately. In regard to the completion of a compaction cycle and commencing ejection of fluid under normal operations, pressure switch 286- closes in the presence of the pre-set fluid pressure and electrical energy energizes holding coil 318 of second relay 296. When holding coil 318 is energized sufliciently relay contacts 320, 322 are closed through its attraction and also normally closed contacts 324 are opened. Similarly to the avoidance of any stopping effect of releasing the starting button, closed contacts 320 allow electrical current to by pass compacting pressure switch 286. As a result, holding coil 318 of second relay 296 remains energized during reduction of fluid pressure in accessory unit 220 as fluid is ejected through changeover valve 280. This solenoid controlled changeover valve 280 is opened and remains open for such ejection of fluid, upon closing of contacts 322. After they close this valves 280 holding coil 326 is energized. As noted previously, contacts 324 have been previously opened upon energization of relay holding coil 318 so that flow is assured through relay contacts 322.

Such ejection of fluid continues through the second or changeover valve 280 until normally closed micro switch 290 is contacted and opened by returning compression plate 242. When micro switch 290 is opened relay coils 304 and 318 of both relays 294 and 296 are de-energized and all contacts actuated by these relays return to their original positions. Consequently holding coils 314 and 326 are also de-energized and solenoid entry and changeover valves 266, 280 respectively are both closed stopping all air flow until another compaction cycle is initiated. In this state or condition the entire system is de-energized and re-set for the next compaction cycle.

This automatic compaction assembly indicates, that although sidewise compaction movements have been principally considered, vertical or other directional compaction movements are also controllable automatically. Whatever be the objective, fluid under pressure in these l 10 various embodiments controlled manually semi-automatically, or completely automatically is readily undertaken to compact refuse. Such compaction is cycled with respect to particular loadings of refuse within designated containers located at the commencement, during and/or 'at the terminus of the refuse handling routines conducted to economically dispose of waste materials of many kinds.

I claim:

1. Equipment used in compacting refuse, comprising: a reference structure adapted to be held in a substantially fixed location; a fluid tight structure to be variable positioned, at least in part, to and from the reference structure; fluid pressure regulating and generating source apparatus inter-related to both the referencestructure and the movable fluid tight structure to expand and then to vent the volume defined, at least in part; by them; retracting means to reduce the volume of said fluid tight structure upon its venting; partial protective housing means to receive the fluid tight structure uponits substantially complete venting; and a compression plate secured to the fluid tight structure to receive its expansion forces and distribute them to refuse being contacted during compaction and upon final retraction contacting the special protective housing to complete the housing of the retracted fluid tight structure.

2. Equipment used in compacting refuse comprising vehicle means having a plurality of material receiving compartments; a material compacting assembly comprising a stationary reference structure and a fluid tight structure variably positionable, at least in part, toward and away from said reference structure; fluid pressure means connected to said assembly for delivering fluid into and venting fluid from said fluid tight structure to thereby move at least a part of said fluid tight structure away from and toward said reference structure; overhead guide means mounted on said vehicle means for supporting said compacting assembly above said compartments; means for moving said compacting assembly along said guide means into operative position above a selected one of said compartments, whereby said compacting assembly may be used alternatively to compact the material in said compartments.

3. Equipment used in compacting refuse, comprising: a reference structure adapted to be held in a substantially fixed location; a fluid tight structure to be variably positioned, at least in part, to and from the reference structure; fluid pressure regulating and generating source apparatus inter-related to both the reference structure and the movable fluid tight structure to expand and then to vent the volume defined, at least in part, by them; multiple refuse collection bins to alternately receive the expanding fluid tight structure; confining guide members adapted to selectively position the reference structure and fluid tight structure over adjacent refuse collection bins; and vehicle means to support both the refuse collection bins and the confining guide members.

4. Equipment used in compacting refuse, comprising: a reference structure adapted to be held in a substantially fixed location; a fluid tight structure to 'be variably positioned, at least in part, to and from the reference structure; fluid pressure regulating and generating source apparatus inter-related to both the reference structure and the movable fluid tight structure to expand and then to vent the volume defined, at least in part, by them; multiple refuse collection bins to alternately receive the expanding fluid tight structure; confining guide members adaptable to selectively position the reference structure and fluid tight structure over adjacent refuse collection bins; vehicle means to support both the refuse collection bins and the confining guide members; tilting means to dump the refuse collection bins; and partitions in said collection bins pivotally mounted to move clear so refuse is dumped conveniently from all bins upon tilting.

5. Equipment used in compacting refuse, comprising: a reference structure adapted to be held in a substantially fixed location; a fluid tight structure to be variably positioned, at least in part, to and from the reference structure; fluid pressure regulating and generating source apparatus inter-related to both the reference structure and the movable fluid tight structure to expand and then to vent the volume defined, at least in part, by them; multiple refuse collection bins to alternately receive the expanding fluid tight structure; confining guide members adaptable to selectively position the reference structure and fluid tight structure over adjacent refuse collection bins; vehicle means to support both the refuse collection bins and the confining guide members; and partitions in said collection bins that are removable making the overall bin area entirely open without obstructions.

6. Equipment used in compacting refuse, comprising: a reference structure adapted to be held in a substantially fixed location; a fluid tight structure to be variably positioned, at least in part, to and from the reference structure; fluid pressure regulating and generating source apparatus inter-related to both the reference structure and the movable fluid tight structure to expand and then to vent the volume defined, at least in part, by them; multiple refuse collection bins to alternately receive the expanding fluid tight structure; confining guide members adaptable to selectively position the reference structure and fluid tight structure over adjacent refuse collection bins; vehicle means to support both the refuse collection bins and the confining guide members; and said confining guide members extending beyond the refuse collection bins to position the reference structure and its attachments clear of the access to all bins.

7. A material compacting assembly comprising a container having a closed end connected to closed side walls and an open end for receiving material therein, piston plate means insertable into said container and having annular means sealingly engaging said side walls, said piston means being movable from said open end of said container toward said closed end to compact the material therein, a removable cover separate from said piston means for placement over said open end and being sealed to said container around said open end when in place, fluid inlet means extending through said cover, and fluid pressure means connected to said inlet means for introducing pressurized fluid into said container on one side of said piston means to move said piston means toward said closed end and thereby compact said material, whereby following said compaction process said cover is removed and said piston means is then removed from said container to permit additional material to be placed therein if desired.

8. A material compacting accessory to be used within a container to expand inside a container and thereby compact material placed in a container before such expansion, comprising:

(a) a reference structure;

(b) a fluid expandable structure secured in part to the reference structure;

(c) a fluid means to expand the fluid expandable structure;

(d) a means to retract the expandable structure;

(e) a first valve to control flow from the fluid means which is pressurized;

(f) an ejector to receive pressurized fluid from the fluid means and alternately to change its direction to the fluid expandable structure and to pass it directly on its way into a second valve;

(g) a second valve to control flow of the pressurized fluid alternately stopping its discharge causing pressurized fluid to flow into the fluid expandable struc ture and then allowing the pressurized fluid to flow directly by the fluid expandable structure to thereby perform an ejecting function to remove pressurized fluid from the fluid expandable structure;

(h) multiple control means related to one another to complete, automatically, a compaction and retraction cycle of the fluid expandable structure after an initial movement of a starting control in this control means has been undertaken, this control means, comprising, in turn:

(i) an electrical energy source;

(j) a starting push button switch to start a compaction cycle;

(k) a first relay and its associated contacts to control distribution of electrical energy initially cleared by operation of the starting push button switch to a holding coil of the solenoid operated first valve;

(1) a pressure switch to be closed upon a bellows pressure being reached resulting in electrical energy being cleared to a second relay;

(In) a second relay and its asociated contacts to control distribution of electrical energy to a holding coil of the solenoid operated second valve to open the valve and thereby start an ejecting flow; and

(n) a microswitch to be opened upon return of the compression plate and thereby stop the flow of electrical energy to both first and second relays and consequently to both holding coils of solenoid operated first and second valves to thereby close them and complete a compaction cycle.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,634,255 7/1927 Drath 2988 1,738,326 12/1929 Smith 211 2,439,725 4/1948 Frost 100226 2,914,205 11/ 1959 Trubinski 214-833 XR 2,984,957 5/1961 Lundgren.

3,145,853 8/ 1964 Langenberg.

3,156,958- 11/1964 Miller et a1. 1002l1XR 3,209,680 10/ 1965 McGinnis 100'211 3,248,001 4/ 1966 McGinnis 100-211 XR 3,318,231 5/1967 Felts 214-41 XR ALBERT I. MAKAY, Primary Examiner US. 01. X.R. v 100-211, 226; 214 ss.3; 220-93 

